Myeloma: how long after treatment were you able to go back to work?

@treehouse5437 I was already retired when my multiple myeloma diagnosis came along. On treatment since August 2021, the diagnosis was 2019.

Hoping your work is not too stressful for you. And that you are being kind to yourself, not stressing out too much. What weekly treatment are you doing, and how are you handling it?
Ginger

Treatments once a week:

Darzales/Velcade quick injections to stomach.

Dexamethasone x5 day after treatment.

Revlimid 25mg 21 day (first cycle started 2/28/25

Thankfully so far all good on treatments with no side effects. 🙏🏻🤞

Have your treatments changed much since starting in 2021.

Being kind to myself- sudden change in life is difficult to accept. Making daily lists to keep busy.

I was diagnosed July 2024. I was able to work through treatment. Same treatment as you. Obviously I did miss work on treatment days, but my work was amazing. I just completed a stem cell transplant in Rochester on January 16. I've been on short term disability since January 2. I'm waiting to get clearance to go back to work. I'm a dental hygienist so it's considered a high risk profession. I'm hoping it's closer to 60 not 100 days. It's been very boring sitting around the house with all my restrictions. At least I can take our dog for a walk! Best wishes on your journey.

I was retired when diagnosed in December 2023. Began treatment similar to yours Jan 2, 2024. I returned to my part-time job at the golf course, in March, which is a physical job with no difficulties. I stopped working in August when I had a bone marrow transplant and returned back to my part-time job with no issues.
Keep a postive outlook, stay active physically and mentally and enjoy life.

Welcome to Connect, @bobh055. You’ve certainly had a few medical adventures since you retired. Though I’m guessing you’d rather be on the golf course than spending so much time visiting doctors and clinics! ☺️

Thank you for sharing your positive story of having a stem cell transplant for MM. With your speedy recovery and return to work, I’m assuming you had an autologous stem cell transplant using your own cells. I’m happy for you that your life is back on track!

Did you have to relocate for 6 weeks or so while undergoing the transplant?

Hi Lori. Yes, I had an autologous stem cell transplant at VCU Medical Center which is an hour away from my home. I did need to stay locally there for 2 weeks after my 2 1/2 weeks in the hospital.
Currently on maintenance treatment:
Revlimid 10mg 21 days on
Darzalex Faspro injection once a month

@treehouse5437 I have been on Revlimid + dexamethasone pretty consistently since Aug 2021. I am also an end stage kidney disease patient, on dialysis since Sept 2022. No, it is not related to the multiple myeloma. I took a break of about 3 months when my dialysis and myeloma treatment combined was overwhelming my body/mental health, then started back up again. Originally my Revlimid was 5mg, now I do 2.5 mg. Originally the dexamethasone was 20 mg, now it is 12 mg.

In October/November 2024 we added Ninlaro to my regimen 3 weeks on at once a week, then one week off. As for dialysis, in July 2024 I switched from using a dextrose-based solution to maltose-based solution. For my particular situation, my oncologist and nephrologist [kidney Dr] are in close communication. They both agree this is a marathon, not a sprint, and have purposely not been super aggressive in the myeloma treatments in order to give me the best quality of life possible. I cannot have a kidney transplant, nor am I able to do a stem cell transplant.

So, I am a dialysis patient for life, and on a myeloma treatment plan for life. Grateful to have a caring/knowledgeable medical team. Being kind to myself, accepting "it is what it is", advocating to make it the best way I can.
Ginger

Rochester- upstate? That's where I am.

No, Rochester, MN Mayo Clinic.